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New Brunswick housing authority says Penrose Hildebrand Commons is under construction, schedules July 13 event
Summary
Housing authority staff reported construction is underway at Penrose Hildebrand Commons, that $700,000 in federal funds triggered Section 3 hiring preferences, and that a ribbon-cutting is planned for July 13.
The Housing Authority of the City of New Brunswick reported construction is underway at Penrose Hildebrand Commons and said a ribbon-cutting is planned for July 13.
The notice came during the board’s informational reports, where a staff speaker said, “they’re moving, pretty quickly, getting the footings in” and that the ribbon-cutting is “designated for, July 13.” The speaker also said the project used about $700,000 in federal funds and that “section 3 applies.”
Why it matters: Penrose Hildebrand Commons is a long‑delayed redevelopment that the authority says will bring new housing and local hiring opportunities. The authority told commissioners it provided a list of 12 local candidates for Section 3 hiring preferences and that not all 12 will be hired, consistent with Section 3 rules connected to federal funding.
Details presented to the board said the developer began work on site and that the authority will help coordinate a public ribbon‑cutting. The board member who reported the update said the project team will send commissioners a virtual invitation and noted the authority provided the developer a list of 12 local residents for possible hiring under the Section 3 requirement tied to the federal money.
Board members and staff also emphasized the need to communicate carefully with residents. The authority said it has already met with residents and published notices in English and Spanish to reduce rumors about immediate displacement. The speaker told the board the first phase of the project will include demolition and new construction on authority property and other redevelopment parcels currently under contract or agreement.
Next steps: The authority said it will continue resident engagement and will coordinate the ribbon‑cutting and other outreach as construction progresses. The board did not take a formal vote on the update.
Ending: The authority said more regular updates will follow as site work continues and as hiring under the Section 3 provisions proceeds.
